Only five days left before New Mexico’s turkey season opens, and I’ve been ready. I still haven’t mastered mouth reed calls, so I take a combination of box, pot, and peg calls. You never know what will strike a tom’s fancy. The custom pot call and striker were from a friend. (Thanks!) I’ve been practicing with all of them, but will always have a soft spot for the peg yelper. Two years ago, I called in a turkey that couldn’t resist the purry yelps of the peg call.

And the decoy, a breeding hen from Dave Smith Decoys, is all set. We named her “Bubbles.”

A few of my favorite things for spring turkey season

Although I included this call in the photo, I probably won’t take it into the field. It’s my grandfather’s old box call. It still works, but needs some TLC. Plus, I don’t want to lose it or have anything to happen to it.

My grandfather’s turkey box call, made in 1911.

On the top of the call, you can still see the maker’s initials (WHP) and the year (1911) scratched into the top of the call.

The maker, “WHP,” and the date, “1911” (highlighted), are scratched into the top of the call.

Since I hunt solo most of the time, I use a lightweight two-sided Rhino pop-up blind. It would be better with mesh windows, but if I’m careful about movement, it can work.

A two-sided blind is easy for a solo hunter to pack in and out.

Last but not least, it’s hard to leave home at 3 AM without some treats to get through the day. These cookies include all my favorite ingredients: peanut butter, chocolate, and bacon.

Peanut butter chocolate chip bacon cookies make the best hunting treats.

Thanks to those who have given me valued advice. I appreciate it! And thanks also to those of you who have let me in on some good turkey spots. I’ll keep ’em to myself!

Good luck to everyone!